LAFC runs unbeaten streak to 5 games with 2-0 win over Minnesota United

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Los Angeles FC teammates mob Eduard Atuesta (20) after he scored during the first half of their MLS match against Minnesota United FC on Wednesday night at Banc of California Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC Eduard Atuesta (20) scores against the Minnesota United FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC teammates mob Eduard Atuesta (20) after he scored during the first half of their MLS match against Minnesota United FC on Wednesday night at Banc of California Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

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Los Angeles FC Mark-Anthony Kaye (14) celebrates after scoring as Minnesota United goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth looks on in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC fans cheer against Minnesota United FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC fans cheer against Minnesota United FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC defender Jordan Harvey, right, scrambles for the ball as Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra approaches during the first half of Wednesday’s MLS match at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC defender Jordan Harvey (2) scrambles for the ball against Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra (10) in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC defender Jordan Harvey (2) scrambles for the ball against Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra (10) in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
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Minnesota United’s Carter Manley with the header against the Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall with the header against the Los Angeles FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi (9) fights for the ball against the Minnesota United FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi (9) fights for the ball against the Minnesota United FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC defender Steven Beitashour is injured against the Minnesota United FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC defender Steven Beitashour is injured against the Minnesota United FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC defender Steven Beitashour is injured against the Minnesota United FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC defender Laurent Ciman controls the ball against the Minnesota United FC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth blocks a sho against the Los Angeles Fc’s in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC defender Walker Zimmerman (25) fights for the ball against Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall (25) in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall (25) controls the ball against the Los Angeles FC’s in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall (25) controls the ball against the Los Angeles FC’s in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC goalkeeper Tyler Miller (1) blocks a shot as Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra (10) leaps over i in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra (10) shoots against the Los Angeles FC’s in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall (25) scuffles with Los Angeles FC defender Laurent Ciman (23) in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United midfielder Xavier Gomez (15) goes up for the header against the LAFC in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC defender Jordan Harvey (2) fights for the ball against Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra (10) in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

midfielder Miguel Ibarra (10) fights for the ball against Los Angeles FC defender Jordan Harvey (2) in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

midfielder Miguel Ibarra (10) fights for the ball against Los Angeles FC defender Jordan Harvey (2) in the first half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth blocks a shot by the Los Angeles FC’s in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC’s Mark Anthony-Kaye goes up for the header against Minnesota United midfielder Harrison Heath (16) in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

forward Latif Blessing controls the ball against the Minnesota United FC’s in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth reacts after a block against the Los Angeles FC’s in the second half of a Major league Soccer matchvat the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth reacts after a block against the Los Angeles FC’s in the second half of a Major league Soccer matchvat the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC fans cheer against Minnesota United FC in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC fans cheer as they toss colored smoke and beer against Minnesota United FC in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC fans cheer against Minnesota United FC in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC fans cheer as they toss colored smoke and beer against Minnesota United FC in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC fans cheer against Minnesota United FC in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles FC fans cheer as they toss colored smoke and beer against Minnesota United FC in the second half of a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Minnesota United FC player kneels as Los Angeles FC won 2-0 during a Major league Soccer match at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Football Club pose for a picture prior to a Major league Soccer match between the Minnesota United FC and at the Los Angeles Football Club at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

A Falcon flies through the stadium prior to a Major league Soccer match between the Minnesota United FC and at the Los Angeles Football Club at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Los Angeles (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Football Club extended its unbeaten streak to five matches, taking a decisive 2-0 home victory over Minnesota United FC on Wednesday night.

LAFC (6-2-1, 19 points) dominated the run of play at the Banc of California Stadium, bottling up dynamic midfielder Darwin Quintero and The Loons (4-6-0, 12 points) while dominating possession and creating an abundance of scoring opportunities.

Liking what he saw in his team’s 1-1 draw with FC Dallas on Saturday, LAFC head coach Bob Bradley stuck with the same starting 11.

The combination of Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi and Latif Blessing up top spearheaded an attack that resulted in 29 shots (15 in the second half) compared to seven for a neutered Minnesota team that visited Los Angeles without eight players available due to injury.

“We create a really good team,” said Vela, who played all over the field as Bradley again asked him to stay on the ball and generate opportunities for his teammates. “We play together. We play in the same way. We try to involve everybody for fun football. And I think we are doing really well.”

LAFC again seized control in the early going.

Rossi was set up in the seventh minute by Vela before taking one dribble and clanking a left-footed shot off the far post.

Considering how many opportunities LAFC squandered in the game against Dallas, it was not the start the first-year club desired.

A minute later Minnesota star Darwin Quintero, the team’s first designated player, showed a flash of his threatening ability by dancing past two defenders into the middle of the box before sending a low, hard shot off the woodwork.

Minnesota’s best chance came late in the first half, when LAFC defender Walker Zimmerman cleared a floating attempt by midfielder Miguel Ibarra, who netted his team’s lone goal in a short-handed victory against Vancouver last week.

“Walker did a very good job tonight,” Bradley said. “We still defend a little bit higher at times than he’s done with Dallas, so getting him comfortable, stepping up on people, closing things down and being higher on the field takes time.”

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LAFC went to the locker room ahead 2-0 after scoring in the 31st and 37th minute. Bradley reminded his players during the break that while they were angling to attack, they needed to maintain control of the game.

The first goal came when Rossi charged down the left wing, received the ball from Vela and moved into the box before cutting a pass back to fellow 20-year-old Eduard Atuesta, who took one dribble to the penalty spot and knocked it into the net for his first goal of the season.

Rossi’s sixth assist tied him for the MLS lead. Vela also earned an assist on the Atuesta finish, his fifth.

Six minutes later, Vela looked for goal-scoring magic from his left foot, but Minnesota defender Jerome Thiesson deflected the ball high into the air. The smallest player on the field, 5-foot-5 forward Latif Blessing, rose above Loons captain Francisco Calvo and headed the ball backward to midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye.

“He can jump, that guy,” Kaye said of Blessing. “I knew I had to be in the right spot and I was.”

The flick found Kaye’s left foot and he volleyed a shot past besieged Minnesota goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth.

“We always knew this was going to be a tough game for us,” said Shuttleworth, who entered the game off of consecutive MLS team of the week honors. “We had some injuries and rotated the team a little bit. They’re a good team, very well-organized, tough to break down, so we knew it was going to be a tough game but obviously we’re disappointed.”

Blessing has stepped in admirably for Costa Rican forward Marco Urena, who underwent successful surgery for facial fracture last week after the Banc of California opener against Seattle on April 29.

“Latif brings such joy and passion to the club every day,” Bradley said. “It’s infectious. He’s a great guy and on the field you see his personality come out.

“Latif is still a player who lives off of instinct.”

The opening half brought four yellow cards from referee Silviu Petrescu. LAFC’s opening goal scorer, Atuesta, was booked along with Minnesota’s Collin Martin, Alexi Gomez and captain Francisco Calvo. Petrescu also carded United FC midfielders Maximiniano and Harrison Heath during the second half.

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